The Difference Between Team Teach and Positive Behaviour Support

When it comes to supporting individuals with challenging behaviours, two approaches that often come into play are Team Teach and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). While both approaches aim to provide effective strategies for managing behaviours and promoting positive outcomes, they differ in their focus and methodology. In this article, we will explore the key differences between Team Teach and Positive Behaviour Support to help you understand their unique contributions in supporting individuals.

Team Teach

Team Teach is a widely recognised training programme that focuses on the management and de-escalation of challenging behaviours. It equips individuals, such as teachers, support staff, and caregivers, with practical skills and strategies to safely manage incidents and promote the well-being of all involved. Team Teach emphasises proactive strategies and crisis intervention techniques to prevent and respond to behaviours that may escalate to a point of potential harm.

The key principles of Team Teach include:

• Risk Reduction: Team Teach emphasizes the identification and reduction of risk factors that contribute to challenging behaviours. It focuses on creating safe environments and implementing proactive measures to prevent incidents from occurring.
• De-escalation Techniques: Team Teach provides individuals with de-escalation techniques to defuse potentially volatile situations. These techniques include effective communication, active listening, and the use of non-physical interventions to reduce tension and promote calmness.
• Physical Intervention as a Last Resort: Team Teach recognizes that physical intervention should only be used as a last resort when all other strategies have been exhausted. It promotes the use of least-restrictive practices to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

Positive Behaviour Support, on the other hand, is a broader approach that focuses on understanding the underlying reasons for challenging behaviours and developing proactive strategies to address them. PBS takes a person-centred approach, emphasising the importance of individualised support plans tailored to the unique needs of each individual. It seeks to improve the overall quality of life and promote positive behaviours through a range of interventions and supports.

The key principles of Positive Behaviour Support include:

• Functional Assessment: PBS involves conducting a thorough assessment to understand the function or purpose of the challenging behaviour. By identifying the underlying causes, such as communication difficulties or unmet needs, PBS aims to develop targeted interventions.
• Person-Centred Planning: PBS emphasises the involvement of the individual and their support network in the planning process. It considers their preferences, strengths, and goals to develop individualised strategies that promote positive behaviours and enhance their overall quality of life.
• Skill Building and Environment Modification: PBS focuses on teaching individuals alternative skills and providing them with opportunities to practice and generalise these skills across different settings. It also involves modifying the environment to support positive behaviours and reduce the likelihood of challenging behaviours occurring.
• Collaborative Approach: PBS encourages collaboration among professionals, families, and other key stakeholders involved in the individual’s life. By working together, they can develop consistent and coordinated support plans to promote positive behaviour change.

In summary, while Team Teach and Positive Behaviour Support share the goal of effectively managing challenging behaviours and promoting positive outcomes, they differ in their focus and methodology. Team Teach primarily focuses on crisis management, de-escalation techniques, and physical intervention as a last resort. Positive Behaviour Support, on the other hand, takes a broader approach, emphasizing functional assessment, person-centred planning, skill building, and collaboration to address challenging behaviours and improve the overall quality of life. Understanding the differences between these approaches can help professionals and caregivers select the most appropriate strategies to support individuals and create environments that foster positive behaviours and well-being.